How to Become a Painter

Starting a career or business of any kind takes strategic and careful planning. This also applies to a becoming a painter, which requires obtaining a license just like other business or trade. When you become licensed as a painter, it lets people know that you know everything that you should to be a painter.

1. Determine which type of painter you want to specialize as. For example, you can choose to paint the exterior of a home or the interior. You can also choose both. After you choose, you can now determine which equipment you need as well as what knowledge it takes to proceed. Painting the interior or exterior requires different types of equipment and they require different types of knowledge to know how to paint them.

2. Contact the Department of Business and Regulation to learn about the type of license you need to obtain to start a business as a painter. They also give information about taking and passing the exam to become a painter. Submit the application and fee.

3. Once you pass the exam the Department of Business and Regulation issues your license and requires you to obtain insurance. Contact an insurance agent to learn about your choices of insurance as a painter.

4. Purchase the material and equipment you need as a painter. You will have to buy ladders, paint, paintbrushes and paint sprayers. Talk to other painters to learn about the types of materials and equipment they use. You can also look on the Internet. Consider opening an account in a local home improvement store for those items.

5. Determine how much you will charge for your services. Study the prices of your competitors in the area. Set your prices so you can compete with them. You may want to set lower prices to start out until you have gained clientele.

6. Market your business by printing business cards and flyers. Leave them at your home improvement stores. Inform friends and family so they can spread the word about your services.